Ready to go this morning, I was up early and ready for some island life. Skipped breakfast and headed for the stop for the minivan taking us south. We waited quite a bit for the others to arrive, then were put on a boat to our surprise to meet our van on the other side of the river. A short ride on a boat, we once again were at the ferry landing and waited a short while for our boat. After a short wait for the minivan, it arrived and we all pilled in. I chose what ended up being the wrong seat, because there was one seat less than needed and mine was turned into two. So me and the gentlemen next to me very pretty uncomfortable for the 2 hour ride, but not hat bad, you get used to this stuff. I did my best to fall asleep against the pile of our bags coming from the back, and dazed in and out. I walk once to the driver yelling something, but dismissed it. When we arrived, I new imediately by the town we were in that my destination had been passed and were across the river a set of islands further downstream. Turned out the driver was checking if anyone was going that way when he yelled, and since no one anwsered we kept on trucking. Oh well, getting to the other islands is easy from any one. Down to the river to buy a boat ticket, I was off to my first island in Laos, Don Khon. The boat ride was short but interesting with no seats, passing dozens of mini so-called islands popping through the water.

    
     Once we pulled up to the shore ofter dropping some passengers off at Don det which I'll be at later, we were there. Getting out, the normal line of boats lined the shore right belows massive palm trees. Once ashore, it was immediately clear with the numerous signs for rooms on the river that the islands had seen there share of visitors. What wasn't immediately clear is how isolated it was to one part of the island. After walking a short bit into town, I found a room on the river which was really a small hut with a net covered bed. Fine by me, its on the water with a hammock. What did bother me was the immenseky load music coming from across the river from a celebration. So much for relaxing today. I hadn't eaten so after the good old food run, I was off to do a little exploring. Walking down going left from my place on the dirt road, it didn't take long before the eating places, guesthouses etc where all out of view. Outside the main settlement, island life seems to at least on the surface remain untouched. Water buffalo raom giants feilds of rice, stopping mementarily to gaze at you. Long dirt roads seemingly leading to nowwhere dot every corner. Natural farm land everywhere. Truly nice to see the place maintains itself very well, keeping everything else to one section.

     Just past the farms, the road comes back to the water, where there are some really nice views. Fishing boats are everywhere, as well as passenger boats for ferrying people across. The place has a very rustic charm which is just made even better by the water.

        Heading back after the heat got the best of me, I went back to the room to rest up with the view from my balcony. Using the hammock, I decided to grab a photo of myself using the tripod I had. It went well for a bit, until I was a little overeager getting one one time it came crashing to the ground. Funny part was the camera actually flashed right at the end of the fall. Oh well. I just grabbed a chair and looked out into the water for a while. About an hour later someone re-tied the hammock, although rather poorly and I'm uneasy getting back on lol.

       I headed out to grab some food not to long after, and just as I was finishing noticed it was about 5:30pm and wanted to see what I could of the sun going down. Got back in time, and although all I time to do wsnap a few pictures before it was gone, it was very nice. Plus watching the colors it makes for an hour or so after is just as nice.

      I struck up some conversation with the two guys in the bungalow next to mine, chatted for an hour or so and then went with them for dinner where I ate again, no idea why I was hungry again. Soon after it was back to the room for some shut eye. Looking forward to renting a bicycle and exploring the island tomorrow. Music across the river has stopped, relaxing tomorrow is also possible ;-P maybe bike the next day.....

 So as you've noticed it turns out that tourism has brought the internet to the islands here, altough at rates the mafia would be proud of. But it's worked for me even it is the only real expense of my day...